Eighth Grade brings a modern spin to the coming-of-age drama. Eighth Grade covers that 12 to 13-year-old age in the American education system, the final year before switching from Middle to High School. This would be somewhat similar to 11 to 12-year-old age in the New Zealand system; the final year of Primary/Intermediate before heading to High School/College.
Films will always be somewhat relatable when they are based on school experiences. The majority of people would have at some point in time gone through the awkward and shy stage, feeling the power of peer pressures, and that need for validation. Elsie Fisher does brilliantly as Kayla, and really opens up your eyes to the new dangers in place thanks to technology and social media.
Whether or not it was written as a social commentary on the dangers of unfettered technology (such as 5th graders having access to Snapchat), it certainly provides it. Being able to observe the effects of that constant connection to the phone from such a young age on the big screen, really opens your eyes, and leaves you with your thoughts well provoked.
While Eighth Grade is certainly rather formulaic in its structure and characters, the film has such honesty and authenticity to it, that you can almost imagine it as a documentary, complete with video commentary between each chapter of the film, almost serving as a warning of things to come for young parents. Very realistic writing portrayed by a very engaging and believable actress, the entire movie hinges on Fisher's acting.
The film is full of awkward situations, and every time things go well, you are filled with an innate sense of dread, waiting for the other shoe to drop. We all know how harsh and judgemental kids can be, and while it never hits the extremes that it could, the relatability hits you in the feels even with lesser events. Such a high ability to empathise with the main character, it launches you back to those school days (minus the rose-tinted glasses) and throws you back into that anxiety-ridden world.
There is a rather harrowing scene in the car at the tail end of the film, which is the only reason I can see to have this film rated M. While it will have you holding your breath, it isn't anything explicit.
A great movie about a young woman who is trying her best to be outgoing and make friends in the world today. Both uplifting and cautionary, Eighth Grade is a must-see for young adults.
Films will always be somewhat relatable when they are based on school experiences. The majority of people would have at some point in time gone through the awkward and shy stage, feeling the power of peer pressures, and that need for validation. Elsie Fisher does brilliantly as Kayla, and really opens up your eyes to the new dangers in place thanks to technology and social media.
Whether or not it was written as a social commentary on the dangers of unfettered technology (such as 5th graders having access to Snapchat), it certainly provides it. Being able to observe the effects of that constant connection to the phone from such a young age on the big screen, really opens your eyes, and leaves you with your thoughts well provoked.
While Eighth Grade is certainly rather formulaic in its structure and characters, the film has such honesty and authenticity to it, that you can almost imagine it as a documentary, complete with video commentary between each chapter of the film, almost serving as a warning of things to come for young parents. Very realistic writing portrayed by a very engaging and believable actress, the entire movie hinges on Fisher's acting.
The film is full of awkward situations, and every time things go well, you are filled with an innate sense of dread, waiting for the other shoe to drop. We all know how harsh and judgemental kids can be, and while it never hits the extremes that it could, the relatability hits you in the feels even with lesser events. Such a high ability to empathise with the main character, it launches you back to those school days (minus the rose-tinted glasses) and throws you back into that anxiety-ridden world.
There is a rather harrowing scene in the car at the tail end of the film, which is the only reason I can see to have this film rated M. While it will have you holding your breath, it isn't anything explicit.
A great movie about a young woman who is trying her best to be outgoing and make friends in the world today. Both uplifting and cautionary, Eighth Grade is a must-see for young adults.